Short Summary

United States President Jimmy Carter had returned to Washington after his peace mission to the Middle East.

Description

United States President Jimmy Carter had returned to Washington after his peace mission to the Middle East. His trip has been described as one of the most startling and swiftly executed diplomatic initiatives in years, but has not passed without criticism. Observers have commented that the President started his mission without being sure of a positive outcome and that in doing this he put not only his own political career at risk, but also the prestige of the United States. However after a week of hard diplomatic bargaining he has brought Israel and Egypt to the verge of signing a peace treaty, after thirty years of hostility.

SYNOPSIS: About four thousand people, including members of Congress and diplomats, were at Andrews Air Force Base to greet the President and his wife Rosalyn on Wednesday (14 March). As they stepped down from the plane they were given a tumultuous welcome.

Speaking at the airport, President Carter referred to criticisms of his peace mission and also mentioned the risks he faced at the start of his trip.